Pressure supporting mechanism



Patented Jan. 4, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 178,080. Divided and this application ber 26, 1940. Serial No. 371,675

8 Claims.

My invention relates to fluid devices and more particularly to extendible fluid devices, and is a division of my application, Serial No. 178,080, filed December 4, 1937, for Fluid devices.

An object of my invention is the provision of an extendible fluid pressure device having two relatively movable parts forming an extendible fluid chamber and being arranged to move extendibly relative to each other for exerting an outward force as fluid pressure is supplied to said fluid chamber.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a fluid actuated work supporting device for supporting parts while being machined or otherwise worked on.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a, fluid actuated work supporting device for supporting parts while being machined or otherwise worked on and which will automatically compensate for irregularities of the supported surface.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a fluid actuated device for backing up a work piece while being machined in order to prevent the work piece from springing away from the cutting tool.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a fluid actuated support or clamping device which extends automatically when fluid pressure is applied but which locks in a rigid fixed position upon contact with the part to be supported or clamped.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a fluid actuated support or clam-ping device which extends automatically when fluid pressure is applied but which locks in a rigid fixed position when any definite back pressure is built up due to contact of the support or clamping device with the part to be supported or clamped.

Another object of my invention is the provision of an extendible fluid actuated support or clamping device which will lock in a rigid fixed position after first contacting and then exerting a definite force against the part to be supported or clamped.

Another object of my invention is to provide a multiplicity of supporting or clamping devices all of which can be actuated by the same fluid source and which will function individually or in groups in any or all of the above ways.

Another object of my invention is the provision of an extendible fluid device which when once extended to engage an object will follow the object as it is moved away until the limit of the extension is reached.

Another object of my invention is the provision 1 Decemof an extendible fluid device having a pressure actuated valve for controlling the extendibility of the device.

Another object of my invention is the provision of an extendible fluid device having a pressure actuated valve in which the valve is biased to its closed position with a hydrostatic force,

Another object of my invention isthe provision of an extendible fluid device having a pressure actuated valve and restricting means located between the valve and the fluid source to delay the build-up of the pressure of the fluid acting upon a the valve and thereby permitting the valve to close before the value of the fluid acting on the valve reaches a value substantially equal to the pressure of the fluid source. 1

Other objects and a fuller understanding may be had by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference characters, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an extendible fluid device embodying the features of my invention; I I

Figure 2 is a modified form of the invention shown in Figure 1;'

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the manner in which my extendible fluid devices may be utilized in connection with a machine tool operation;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional View of another form of my extendible fluid device;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a device which is a modified form of the device shown in 1 Figure 4; and

Figure 6 shows an arrangement for holding an object utilizing the devices shown in Figures 4 and 5.

With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, my extendible fluid device is indicated generally by the reference character l4 and comprises an upper casing l5 and a lower casing I 6 threadably connected together by the threads IT. The upper casing I5 is hollow and is provided with a fluid operated plunger l9 which engages a slidable support or lift member 23 which is arranged to engage an object 21. The lower end of the slidable support or lift member 28 is provided with an annular flange or shoulder 23 which rests upon the upper end of the cylinder 20. Therefore, relative movement may occur between the shoulder 23 and the plunger l9 and relievethe plunger I 9 from side thrust incidental to the slidable support or lift member 28, which may as a modification be part of a'machine or mechanism. The fluid operated plunger I9 is arranged to fit within a cylinder 20 which is threadably secured to the inside of the upper casing l5 by means of the threads 2 A suitable tool adapted to fit into the recess 22 provided on the upper end of the cylinder 20 may be used to screw the cylinder into the inside of the upper casing l5. In order to prevent the fluid from flowing past the plunger I9, thereshould be a good fit between the plunger l9 and the cylinder 20, or, any conventional seal may be employed.

A spring 24 is positioned between the shoulder 23 and a retaining cap 25 which is threadably connected to the inside of the upper casing l5 by means of the threads 26. The function of the spring 24 is to bias the fluid operated plunger I9 to its lowermost position when the fluid pressure is released. The fluid communication to the cylinder 20 is controlled by a valve having a valve seat 3| and a valve head 32. A restriction member 34, having a small opening 35, is positioned in the fluid port 36 and restricts the flow f the fluid into my fluid device. As illustrated, the restriction member 34 may be threadably engaged into the port 36 by the illustrated threads and is provided with a ball check valve 29 which allows the unrestricted flow of the fluid from my device.

The valve. head 32 may be actuated by a valve stem 31 which is connected to and operated by a fluid piston 39 reciprocally mounted within a cylinder 40 provided in. the lower casing I6. The piston 39 abuts against a shoulder 38 provided on the lower end. of the valve stem 31 and includes. a piston gasket 4|, a spring expander 42 and a retaining plate 43 which is securely held in position by means of a jam nut 44 and a lock nut45 which threadably engage the valve stem 31.

To prevent fluid from leaking pastthe upper end of the valve stem. 31 and into the space above the piston 39, a gasketv seal 41 snugly engages the valve stem 31. and is held in position by means of a threaded gasket cap 48. The fluid piston 39 is biased to its lowermost position by means of a spring 46 which is positioned between the retaining plate 43 and anv adjusting nut- I6. The tension of the spring 46 may be adjusted by turning the adjusting nut I8 by means of a suitable tool inserted through an opening 3|) in the side of the casing l and engaging suitable peripheral notches 56 of the adjusting nut. The fluid in the port 36 surrounding the upper end of the valve stem 37 may flow through a fluid duct 49 which extends through the valve stem 31 and into the space 56 below the fluid pis ton 39. The space above the fluidpiston 39 is open to atmosphere through means of the opening 30, so that the fluid piston may move up and down without entrapping air above it.

To operate my extensible fluid device shown in Figure 1, it is first connected to a fluid source and filled with a fluid. In cases where the ob jects to be supported are to be absolutely rigid, the fluid device must befilled with an incompressible fluid and no air bubbles must be allowed to form in the air passage or the cylinder chamber 26 between the fluid operated plunger I9 and the. valve seat 3|. To facilitate the removal of the air when filling my fluid device, a port 53 is provided in one side of the casing, l5, which allows the air to escape when the cylinder 26 is unscrewed slightly. When oil or fluid is forced into the cylinder 26 below the plunger I9, it will start to flow out of the port 53, forcing the air in advance of it. The cylinder 26 is then screwed in tightly by means of a tool fitting in the recess 22, after which the slidable support or lift member 28, the spring 24 and the retainer cap 25 may be mounted. To avoid the possibility of air entering in the cylinder chamber 26 at any subsequent time, it may be advisable to place air traps in the fluid system.

In operation, the fluid is forced under pressure against the restriction member 34. The fluid flows comparatively slowly through the small opening of the restriction member 34 and since the valve head 32 is biased away from the valve seat by means of the spring 46, a pressure will gradually build up in all of the fluid passages and chambers of my fluid device. As soon as. the force created by the fluid pressure on the bottom of the fluid operated plunger l9 becomes great enough to overcome the spring 24, the fluid operated plunger I9 will move out of the cylinder 26 until the upper engaging end of the slidable support or lift member 28 meets with resistance or otherwise engages the object 21 which is to be supported. The ratios of the diameters of the plunger I9 and the piston 39 and the forces exerted by the springs 24 and 46 are so proportioned or adjusted that a greater fluid pressure is required to raise the piston 39 and close the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3| than is required to raise the plunger IS. The function of the spring 24 is to return the plunger H] to its lowermost position.

In place eof the spring 24, the weight of the piston or when applicable, the weight of the ob ject being supported may be used in some cases to return the plunger l9 to its lowermost position. Or the piston may be returned manually by hand of by fluid means which may create a pressure on the outer end of the plunger or by withdrawing the fluid and creating a vacuum on the inner end of the plunger l9. As the fluid is forced into the port 36, it. will continue toflow into the cylinder 20, under the plunger l9, until the. plunger meets with resistance from some object which it is to operate and when suflicient resistance is encountered a pressure will be built up in the chamber 5!] below the piston 39 surficient to overcome the predetermined load of spring 46 at which point the valve head 32 will move upwardly and engage the valve seat 3| and entrap the fluid in the cylinder 20 below the plunger |9.

All of the passages should be so proportioned that the pressure in chamber 56 under piston 39 will remain substantially the same as the pressure in cylinder 26 under piston 99 at all times prior to the closing of valve head 32 against valve seat 3|. be employed to facilitate this, however, the re striction is not essential to the operation, es-

pecially if the velocity of the flow of the fluid source is not too high.

The value of the opposing force of the spring 46 may be varied by turning the adjusting nut I8, and the value of the force of the spring 46 may be so adjusted that the valve head 32 is hydrostatically biased to its closed position against the valve seat 3| before the pressure in the chamber 53 below the piston 39 becomes equal to the pressure of the fluid source or reaches a value substantially equal to therpressure of the fluid in the fluid feed pipe 33. Thus for example, if the pressure of the fluid entering my fluid device were 200 pounds per square inch, then the spring 46 may be so set that the valve head The restriction member 34 may 7 32 is biased against the valve seat 3| when the pressure in the chamber 59 and in the cylinder 20 below the fluid actuated plunger l9 reaches 100 pounds per square inch. Consequently, after the closing of the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3|, the pressure in the chamber 50 will build up to a pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the source and holds the valve head against the valve seat 3| with a hydrostatic force greater than that required to close the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3| and thereby enables the fluid operated plunger Hi to be sub jected to an inward force which is greater than the outward force which the fluid operated plunger |9 exerted prior to the closing of the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3|.

After the valve head 32 contacts the valve seat 3| the fluid operated plunger Hi can be subjected to a greater inward force than the outward force which the fluid operated plunger 9 exerted prior to the closing of the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3|. In extending, the plunger l9 can only exert a force caused by the action of the fluid pressure acting on the bottom or effective area of plunger I9 and this pressure is equal to and can never exceed the pressure required to close the valve head 3| against the valve seat 32 or specifically the pressure required to overcome the tension of the spring 46 when acting on the effective area of the bottom of piston 39. The plunger |9, however, is capable of resisting a much higher inward force because to move the piston i9 back, it is necessary for the fluid pressure in cylinder 29 under fluid piston l9 to push the valve head 3! away from valve seat 32, so that fluid can flow out of cylinder 29. The force required to push the plunger l9 inwardly must be such that the force caused by the fluid pressure built up in the cylinder 29 acting on the valve head 32 plus the force exerted by the spring 46 is equal or greater than the force caused by the fluid pressure acting upon the piston 39. Since the effective area of the valve head 3| is small compared to the area of the plunger !9 and the piston 39, the force required to push the plunger i9 inwardly is considerably greater than the outward force exerted by the plunger |9 before the valve head 32 closes against the valve seat 3|. A purpose of the restriction member 34 is to delay the build-up of the pressure of the fluid on the valve side of the restriction member and to permit the valve head 32 to close against the valve seat 3| before the value of the fluid pressure on the valve side of the restriction member becomes equal to or reaches a value substantially equal to the pressure of the fluid on the source side of the fluid restricting member 34. The restriction member 34 is not essential to the operation of the unit if the velocity of flow of the fluid source is not too high.

The pressure of the fluid is entrapped in the cylinder 29 below the fluid operated plunger l9 and tends to bias the valve head 32 away from the valve seat 3| and should thi pressure ever become great enough so that the force which it creates on the valve head 32 plus the force of the spring 46 exceed the force exerted by the fluid pressure underneath the piston then the valve head 32 will move away from the valve seat 3| and allow fluid to flow back into the source, which in turn, permits the fluid operated plunger l9 to move back. My invention is, therefore, useful and finds many advantages in cases where it is desired to have the fluid operated plunger move until it makes contact with the object it is to ill support, and after making contact will exert a definite maximum predetermined force within the limits of the movement of the plunger |9 regardless of the location of the object to be supported until the valve head 32 closes against the valve seat 3| after which the fluid operated plunger l9 may be subjected to a greater inward force than that exerted by the plunger I9 outwardly prior to the closing of the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3|. When employing an incompressible fluid, the plunger 9 will move out until it makes contact with the object to be supported and will exert a definite predetermined force upon the object to be supported and when the object to be supported is stabilized in a fixed position, the plunger l9 will never move out any further, even though the object to be supported is entirely removed. This, of course, is advantageous in applications where it is desired to have a support in a definite position and where it would not be desirable to have th support or plunger follow the object it is supporting should the object be removed.

In Figure 2, I show a modification of a device shown in Figure 1, in that the fluid piston 39 is opposed by air or fluid pressure from the air or fluid supply line 6| which may be regulated by an air or fluid pressure regulator 63 by turning the hand adjustment 64. An air or fluid gauge 62 may be provided to indicate the value of the pressure opposing the fluid piston 39. The upper side of the fluid piston 39 is provided with a piston gasket 51 which is held in position by a gasket plate 59 and a nut 60 which threadably engages the valve stem 31. A spring expander 58 may be employed to force the piston gasket 51 outwardly against the inside wall of the cylinder 40. The operation of the fluid device shown in Figure 2 is substantially the same as that previously described for Figure 1, except that the value of the opposing force acting upon the fluid piston 39 may be regulated by the air or fluid pressure controlled by the adjustment B4.

In some applications it may be advantageous to regulate or vary the fluid pressure opposing the piston 39 automatically in connection with an operation being performed relative to the piece acted on by piston l9, For example, a work piece being machined may be supported by a number of units of the type indicated in Figure 1 or 2, and in the course of machining, a part of the Work piece which is contacted by a support is cut off or otherwise moved and it is desired to have this particular support only to move out and contact a more remote part of the work piece. This can be accomplished by increasing the fluid pressure opposing the piston 39 to a value suflicient to cause the piston 39 to move the valve head 32 away from the valve seat 3|, which allows fluid to flow into the cylinder 29 under the piston |9 causing the piston 9 to move out. By again dropping the fluid pressure opposing the piston 39 below the fluid pressure in chamber 50, the piston 39 will move and close the valve head 32 against the valve seat 3! and the unit will again act in its normal fashion.

It is, therefore, possible in the manner Just plained to cause one or more units, which are connected to the same fluid source, to extend or to exert more or less force than they did at the instant valve 3| first closed, depending on the pressure of the fluid source by increasing the pressure opposing the piston 39 to a point Where it is sufficient to cause the piston 39 to move'the valve head 32 away from the valve seat 3!, allowing fluid to flow into the cylinder 20 under the piston it.

In Figure 3, I have illustrated the application of my fluid devices to a milling machine having a work table 68 and a cutter tool H: arranged to cut the top surface of the work piece 69 held between the stationary jaw H and a movable jaw 72. As illustrated, a plurality of my fluid devices may be positioned upon the work table and arranged to have the outer end 28 of the plunger 9 to engage the underneath side of the irregular piece which is to be worked. A fluid device may be also used to operate the movable jaw 12. In this illustration the fluid devices may be controlled by a fluid valve 5| having a control handle 52 which regulates the flow of fluid from the feed pipe 33. In the illustrated arrangement, the fluid device for actuating the movable jaw 12 is arranged to exert a force and hold the Work piece 69 in position prior to the operation of the fluid devices positioned under the work piece 69. The delayed action of the devices under the work piece 69 is accomplished by the employment of an adjustable spring loaded one-way valve H which must be biased open before fluid is permitted to flow through the fluid pipe it and the fluid pipe 18 which leads to the fluid devices positioned under the work piece 69. Thus, as soon as the control lever 52 of the supply valve 51 is open, the fluid is immediately allowed to flow from the fluid feed pipe 33 through the pipe and into the fluid device which operates the movable jaw '52. When releasing the pressure upon the fluid devices, the control lever 52 of the supply valve M is moved to its released position, in which case fluid from the device H. operating the movable jaw 12 flows directly through the pipe I5, and to the fluid return pipe 14, and the fluid from the devices positioned under the work piece 69 flows through the pipe 18, the ball check valve 19 and the pipe 16 to the fluid return pipe 14. a

The work piece 69 may then be removed and a new work piece inserted in the jaw TI and jaw 12, after which the operation may again be repeated. In operation, the upper end of the fluid operated plunger I9 exerts a definite predetermined pressure upon the underneath side of the work piece 69 until the valve head 32 engages the valve seat 3|, and entraps the fluid in the cylinder 20 which then acts as a solid body of inert fluid and which holds the work piece 69 in a fixed position without exerting an outward force as the tool cutter 10 is operated. In the event that the work piece 69 tends to bow-up as a result of the weakening of the work piece after it is cut, the plungers will not follow the work piece 69 but will remain fixed so that an accurate milling job may be obtained. In the event that the cutter tool It strikes an extraordinary hard place and consequently exerts heavy pressure which exceeds the force required to bias the valve head 32 away from the valve seat 3|, then the work piece 69 may be allowed to go down and permit the tool to pass over without damaging the expensive cutter tool it. But for the regular cutting, the opposing force of the spring 46 or the air or fluid acting downwardly upon the piston 39 is so adjusted that the plunger will adequately support the work piece 559 without its going down.

The locating supports upon which the ends of the work piece 69 rests may be fluid units of my design, having their plungers fully extended or engaging permanent stops. These would allow the Work piece 69 to move down without damaging it if an excessive overload occurred as explained above. The supporting members or devices l4 may be made to function in any order by means of valves as 11 or by changing amount or resistance on plunger 9, as by varying spring 24.

In any case where it is desirable to have the individual supports exert a predetermined force, but where the total force of all the supports would be too great or undesirable as in supporting a long work piece as illustrated by 69 (see Fig. 3) or in supporting any part which would have a tendency to bend, it is advantageous to have the supports operate consecutively singly, or consecutively in groups. Since the supports act as a solid unit, and do not exert an outward force after the valve 32 is closed, it is possible to prevent the supported piece from being subjected to the total force exerted by all the support units and it is possible to reduce the force exerted on the supported piece at any one time to the value of the force exerted by each individual support acting in consecutive order,

In Figure 4, I show another modification of my fluid device, and the principal distinction resides in the action of the valve for entrapping the fluid beneath the fluid actuated plunger. As illustrated, the invention in Figure 4 comprises an upper casing SI, an intermediate casing 92 and a lower casing 93. The upper casing SI is threadably connected to the intermediate casing 92 by means of the threads I04 and the lower casing 93 is threadably connected to the intermediate casing 92 by the threads I96. A fluid operated plunger 94 is positioned within a cylinder 95 of the upper casing 9| and is arranged to be biased downwardly by means of an outward plunger IE9 and a spring 95 which is retained in position by means of a retaining cap 9! which is threadably connected to the upper casing 9| by means of the threads N23. The retaining cap 91 may be provided with ear flanges 98 having holes 99 through which fastening means may be inserted for mounting the fluid device to any suitable support. The outward plunger I00 rests upon the fluid operated plunger 94 and is designed to move outwardly and engage an object illustrated generally by the reference character lfll.

The valve seat I09 is provided in the intermediate casing 92 and is arranged to be closed by a valve head I H] which is operated by means of a valve stem H4 which is actuated by means of a fluid piston H6 reciprocally mounted Within the lower casing 93. The fluid piston H6 may comprise a piston gasket ll! retained in place by means of a piston plate H9 and a cupped cap I20 which is threadably secured to the lower end of the piston by means of the threads I21.

A spring expander H8 may be employed. to force the piston gasket H'l outwardly against the inside wall of the cylinder formed in the lower casing 93. The lower end of the vaive stem H4 is threaded as indicated by the reference character H5 and is provided with a nut I23 which is arranged to be engaged by the lower end of the fluid piston H5 when the fluid piston H6 is urged downwardly by the fluid pressure. The downward movement of the fluid piston I I6 is opposed by a restraining spring I22 which is positioned between the lower end of the fluid piston' I I6 and a retaining cap I24 which is threadably connected to the inside of the lower casing 93 by means of the threads I25. The value of the restraining force of the spring I22 may be varied by turning the retaining'cap I24 by using a suitable tool which may fit into the tool recess I2'I. An opening I20 may be provided within the retaining cap I24 to allow air to escape from the lowermost portion of the lower casing 93 when the fluid piston H6 is forced downwardly by the fluid pressure.

In some applications for the use of my fluid device, the nut I23 may be removed as shown in Figure and in these applications the spring I28 which acts downwardly upon the washer I29 may be employed to force the valve stem II4 downwardly to close the valve head IIO against the valve seat I09, whenever piston H6 is not in contact with nut I30. The spring I28 may be dispensed with when the unit is mounted in a vertical position as the weight of the valve stem will close the valve. The spring I may also be dispensed with in the showing indicated by Figure 4.

The washer I29 may be held in place by means of a nut I30 which threadably engages the threaded portion II5 of the valve stem II4. To operate the fluid device shown in Figure 4, it is first filled with a fluid from a fluid source. To facilitate the removal of air when filling my fluid device with fluid, the ports I05 in the casing are provided, which allow the air to escape when the upper casing 9I is unscrewed slightly from the intermediate casing 92. When oil or fluid is forced into the cylinder 95 below the plunger 94, it will start to flow out of the ports I05, forcing the air in advance of it. The upper casing 9I is then screwed in tight and my device is ready for operation.

In operation, fluid is forced under pressure into the port I02 and since the valve head H0 is biased away from the valve seat I09, the pressure will build up in all of the fluid passages and chambers. As soon as the force created by the fluid pressure on the bottom of the plunger 94 becomes great enough to overcome the spring 96, the plunger 94 will move upwardly and cause the outward plunger I00 to engage the object IOI. The plunger 94 will continue to move until it meets with suflicient resistance at which point the fluid pressure in my device will build up sufflciently to cause the fluid piston I I6 to move downwardly and engage the nut I23 to close the valve head IIO against the valve seat I09. The valve of the fluid pressure required to: force the fluid piston IIB downwardly may be varied by turning the retaining cap I24 and adjusting the force exerted by the spring I22. Therefore, the plunger 94 may be made to exert a predetermined pressure upon the object IOI before the valve head IIO engages the valve seat I09 which entraps the fluid in the cylinder 95 below the plunger 94. It is understood that this predetermined pressure may be made any value by changing the diameters of the plunger 95 and the piston IIB as well as changing the tension of the spring I22. In cases where it is desirable to prevent the possibility of valve I09 closing against seat I I0, either before or after plunger 94 meets with resistance and causes the building up of the proper predetermined back pressure to move piston H6 and close valve I09 against seat IIO, a

restriction member as 34 described in connection with Figures 1 and 2 may be employed or if desired, this possibility may be prevented by correctly proportioning the passages leading between the fluid source and cylinder under plunger 94 and between the fluid source and cylinder 93 above piston H6. This possibility will also be automatically prevented if the velocity of flow of the fluid source is not too high.

After the valve head IIO closes against the valve seat I09 the entrapped fluid under the plunger 94 may be subjected to unlimited pressure depending upon the facility of the fluid chamber to retain the fluid without leaking. In other words, it will be impossible to force the plunger 94 back into the cylinder 95 regardless of the force which might be exerted on it by the object IOI. It is to be noted that with the device shown in Figure 4 when the object IOI is removed, the piston plunger 94 will not follow the object or move outwardly as long as the valve head H0 is biased against the valve seat I09.

To allow the plunger 94 to recede the valve head H0 is raised from the valve seat I09 by means of the piston H6 engaging the nut I30. The piston II6 may be caused to engage the nut I30 by reducing the pressure of the fluid source and permitting the spring I22 to bias the piston I I0 upwardly. In other words, the fluid pressure acting downwardly upon the piston II6 must, in order that the valve head I I0 may be raised from the valve seat I09, be less than the predetermined pressure required to move the piston IIG downwardly to close the valve head IIO against the valve seat I09. If any pressure exists in cylinder 95 it will be necessary to break the valve I I0 open against this pressure. If the fluid pressure of the source is repeatedly reduced to a value below the predetermined value and then increased to a value above the predetermined value, the plunger 94 may be made to move intermittently outwardly upon each repeated cycle change in the fluid pressure.

In Figure 5, I show a modified arrangement of the device shown in Figure 4 in that the nut I23 is removed in which case the piston plunger 94 will follow the object IIO if it is moved outwardly. In other Words, the downward movement of thefluid piston II6 does not move the valve stem II4 downwardly to close the valve head IIO against the valve seat I09,but the upward movement ofthe fluid piston I I6 does move the valve stem I I4 upwardly to lift the valve head IIO from the valve seat I09. Thus the plunger 94 moves outwardly so long as the pressure of the fluid source is sufliciently high to raise the load or object upon the plunger 94. If the load is removed, the plunger 94 will move .outward and follow the object.

In other words, in this modification the downward motion of the piston II6 merely allows the valve head IIO to close against the valve seat I09, but does not force it down or hold it closed. When the piston I I6 is biased down, the valve IIO acts as a one way check valve which allows fluid to enter but prevents fluid from leavingthe cylinder 95. Thepiston IIS, however, functions to open and hold open the valve I I0 whenever the piston IIG is biased upward against the nut I30 .with a force suflicient to move the valve I I0 away from the valve seat I09.

The modification shown in Fig. 4 can be made .to function substantially the same as explained above in connection with the modification shown in Fig. 5 by the use of an independent one way check valve connected so that it will allow fluid from the source to flow into the cylinder 95 below the plunger 94 but will prevent fluid from flowing out of the cylinder 95.

The pressure on top of the valve head IIO has no tendency to close the valve head IIO against the valve seat I09 as long as the valve is open. After the valve is closed, however, any pressure on top of valve I I would tend to hold the valve head H 0 against the valve seat I09 and any pressure acting on the bottom would tend to force the valve head IIO off of the valve seat I09. These pressures are equal before the valve closes but may or may not be equal after the valve closes. By making the two diameters of the valve seat I09 (see Fig, as close as possible when the piston I I6 is not in contact with the nut I30, the valve II 0 will open with only a small diflerence in pressure and fluid will flow from the chamber I02 into the cylinder 9| under the piston 94, when the pressure in the chamber I02 exceeds the pressure in the cylinder 9I under the piston 94, by only a negligible amount.

Dash and dot lines I35 and I36 are shown to indicate that the plunger 94 moves outwardly as the object H0 .is elevated, The valve stem I I4 is urged downwardly by the spring I28. When the fluid pressure builds up to a predetermined value as determined by the setting of the adjustable spring I22, the fluid piston H6 is forced downwardly and permits the spring I28 to close or bias the piston valve head IIO against the valve seat I09. The closing of the valve head IIO against the valve seat I09 entraps the fluid beneath the plunger 94 after which it may be sub jected to unlimited load or force depending upon the ability of the fluid chamber to retain the fluid. To raise the valve head I I 0 from the valve seat I 09 the fluid pressureacting downwardly upon the fluid piston H6 is decreased to a value such that the spring I22 urges the fluid piston H6 upwardly and raises the valve stem II4. When the valve head H0 is moved upwardly resulting from a reduced fluid pressure of the source, the entrapped fluid under the plunger 94 is free to escape and the plunger 94 may then recede. Whenever the force created by the fluid pressure under the piston 94 is less than the forces urging the piston 94 down, the lowering of the plunger 94 is obtained by lowering the pressure of the fluid source and the raising of the plunger against a heavy load is obtained by increasing the pressure of the fluid source. In lowering, however, the plunger 94 cannot recede until the pressure drops sufiiciently to allow the piston IIB to open valve IIO while in raising the plunger can be biased upward by any pressure of the fluid source since the valve H8 ofiers no resistance in this direction.

In Figure 6 I show an arrangement utilizing the fluid device as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The fluid devices indicated generally by the reference character I31 and I38 are the same as that shown in Figure *5 and the fluid device indicated by the reference character I39 is the same as that shown in Figure 4. The reference character I40 represents an angle shape work piece which is held down to the support or fixture base MI by the support I31 and is held longitudinally against the locating stop I42 by the support unit I38. These two support units I31 and I38 being of the type indicated by Figure '5, will always maintain an outward force and will solidly resist any reverse movement, accordingly, the angular work piece will .be held rigidly against the base I4! and the locating stop I42. The reference character I43 represents a cutter 'whichis machining the face I44 of the work piece I40. Be cause the work piece I40 has a comparatively weak vertical section, if it were not supported or backed up, it would be sprung away from the cutter I43. To prevent the work piece from springing away from the cutter I43, it is backed up by the support unit I39, which, as explained, is of the type indicated by Figure 4.

In clamping the work piece I40 into the fixture, the support I38 is caused to operate first, this forces the work piece I40 against the locating stop I42. Next, support I31 operates and forces work piece I40 down against fixture .base I4I. This locates and clamps the base of the work piece I 40 securely to the fixture MI. The support I39 is then caused to move out and contact the upper end of the work piece I40 on the opposite side to the cutter I43. The support I39, being of the type as indicated by Figure 4, moves out until it contacts the work piece and is adjusted to exert only a slight force to provide sufficient resistance to cause the piston H6 to move and close the valve IIO on the valve seat I09. The support member I39 is now a rigid unit which backs up the upper end of the work piece I40 and prevents it from moving away from the cutter I43, but does not exert a force against the work piece I40 which would tend to bend it towards the cutter I43.

While I have shown the use of a cylinder and a plunger representing my invention, it is to be understood that the cylinder and plunger may be substituted by a diaphragm or a bellows, or any fluid actuated element, which may be expanded. The valve may also be operated by a diaphragm or bellows or any fluid actuated element. The fluid actuated valve and the fluid actuated members may be separate units connected by a duct. One fluid actuated valve can be used to control two or more fluid actuated members or plungers if it is desired to obtain compensating features between the fluid actuated devices. When more than one of my fluid devices are used in combination and even though they may be actuated by the same fluid source, the fluid actuated plungers may be made to operate in any order and they may be made to exert individually any desired force before the valves close and the valves can be made to operate in any order desired. All these functions may or may not be, as desired, independent of the pressure of the fluid source, provided the pressure of the fluid source is sufficient to operate the plunger embodied in my fluid devices.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention-as hereinafter claimed.

I claim as my invention:

1. A pressure supporting mechanism of the character described for engaging a workpiece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, and means for automatically releasing the fluid in any cylinder when the back pressure of the fluid in the said any cylinder exceeds a predetermined value.

2. A pressure supporting mechanism of the character described for engaging a work piece comprising, in combination, a, plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, valve means responsive to the fluid in communication with each cylinder for preventing the forward flow of the fluid to each said cylinder when the work engaging means for each said cylinder exerts a predetermined pressure upon the work piece, said valve means including automatic mean for preventing the reverse flow of the introduced fluid from each of the cylinders, said automatic means being inoperative to prevent said reverse flow when the pressure of fluid source is below the said predetermined pressure.

3. A pressure supporting mechanism of the character described for engaging a work piece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, means respon sive to the pressure exerted by the work engaging means of any cylinder upon the work piece to control the flow of fluid into and out of the said any work cylinder, and valve means to admit fluid to at least one of said cylinders prior to admitting fluid to the remaining cylinders.

4. A pressure supporting mechanism Of the character described for engaging a work piece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, and valve means responsive to the pressure exerted by the work engaging means of any cylinder upon the work piece to control the flow of fluid into and out of the said any work cylinder, said valve means after closing and entrapping the fluid in the cylinder of the said any work cylinder being governed for its opening movement by the pressure of the fluid source.

5. A pressure supporting mechanism of the character described for engaging a work piece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, valve means responsive to the pressure exerted by the work engaging means of any cylinder upon the work piece to control the flow of fluid into and out of the said any work cylinder, said valve means after closing and entrapping the fluid in the cylinder of the said any work cylinder being governed for its opening movement by the pressure or the fluid source, and adjustable means for governing the Value of the fluid pressure at which the valve in said any work cylinder opens and closes.

6. A pressure supportin mechanism of the character described for engaging a work piece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, valve means responsive to the fluid in communication with each cylinder for preventing the forward flow of the fluid to each said cylinder when the work engaging means for each said cylinder exerts a predetermined pressure upon the work piece, said valve means including automatic means for preventing the reverse flow of the introduced fluid fr m each of the cylinders, said automatic means being inoperative to prevent said reverse flow when the pressure of fluid source is below the said predetermined pressure, and adjustable means for governing the value of the said predetermined pressure.

7. A pressure supporting mechanism of the character described for engaging a work piece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work, piece, valve means responsive to the fluid in communication with each cylinder for preventing the forward flow of the fluid to each said cylinder when the work engaging means for each said cylinder exerts a predetermined pressure upon the Work piece, said valve means after preventing said forward flow entrapping the fluid in each said cylinder and preventing the reverse flow thereof, said valve means being biased toward its open position by the entrapped fluid.

8. A pressure supporting mechanism of the character described for engaging a Work piece comprising, in combination, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders, a piston movable in each cylinder and having projecting work engaging means, means for jointly introducing fluid into the cylinders and causing the work engaging means to engage the work piece, valve means responsive to the fluid in communication with each cylinder for preventing the forward flow of the fluid to each said cylinder when the work engaging means for each said cylinder exerts a predetermined pressure upon the work piece, said valve mean after preventing said forward flow entrapping the fluid in each said cylinder and preventing the reverse flow thereof, said valve means being biased toward its open position by the entrapped fluid, and means to automatically control the order in which the cylinders operate,

PAUL I. SCHULTZ. 

